Foreign Affairs Adviser to the Prime Minister Humayun Kabir has said that a BNP-led government would place strong emphasis on economic diplomacy as a key pillar of its foreign policy.
Speaking at a seminar titled “Bangladesh First: Foreign Policy Vision of a New Bangladesh” organized by Bangladesh Institute of Peace and Security Studies at The Westin Dhaka on Saturday, he said economic diplomacy would be one of the government’s top foreign policy priorities.
Humayun Kabir said the government would work to expand export markets, attract diversified foreign investment, ensure energy security, and enhance regional trade and connectivity. He added that Bangladesh aims to position itself as an economic bridge linking South Asia, Southeast Asia, and the wider Indo-Pacific region.
He said that under a “Bangladesh First” policy, the government would pursue a multidimensional, flexible, and non-country-centric foreign policy approach.
“Bangladesh will maintain constructive relations with all countries. However, it will not become dependent on any particular country,” he said. “The government’s main objective will be to make independent decisions while safeguarding national interests and sovereignty.”
Humayun Kabir also said the current global order is undergoing rapid transformation.
“Bangladesh is interested in maintaining relations with the global community based on mutual respect, balance, and national interests,” Kabir said.
“The era of dominance by a single power is nearing its end, and new realities are emerging in global politics and economics,” he said. “In this context, Bangladesh must pursue a strategically flexible and balanced foreign policy.”
On climate issues, Humayun Kabir said Bangladesh does not want to be viewed solely as a climate-vulnerable country, but also as a leader in global climate diplomacy.
“To achieve this goal, Bangladesh will play a strong role in advocating for climate justice and equitable climate financing,” he added.
